Managing Agents & Call-out Fees

[Real_Politik]

I use a large and well-established letting agent to manage one of my properties.

There have been a few occasions under their management when tradesmen have had to remedy faults or quote for repairs - they retain these people and I have never previously been charged a call-out fee, just a quote and then charge for work done (if any). However, I've just been stung by a hefty call-out fee from them.

Whilst the property management agreement I signed is silent on the specifics re contractors and call-out fees I'm a little bit peeved by this.

What is others' experience in similar situations?

[ngriffiths]

Was it a late night/weekend 'emergency' call out?

Does your agreement with letting agent set a figure up to which you give the letting agent permission to make decisions on your behalf?

It may be that you're stuck as you've signed an agreement to allow the letting agent to make these decisions for you.

I'd guess you have a number of options-

stump up the cash and take it on the chin
Kick up a fuss and question with the letting agent why this charge has been added, when has never been added previously
Give notice to letting agent that you No longer need their services

Unfortunately,some letting agents get greedy and add charges of their ownwhen, surely, a long term approach to keeping tenants and landlords happy is a much more pragmatic one.

[mind the gap]

If a specific call out charge is not referred to in your agent's agreement you should certainly challenge the way it has been added recently.

I suspect however that they will just get round it in future by making it part and parcel of the tradesman's bill, for which you are presumably liable.

[Real_Politik]

Thanks for the responses - it wasn't a particularly urgent call-out and they are instructed to clear any expenditure with me.

I'll be asking questions.

[PaulF]

Thanks for the responses - it wasn't a particularly urgent call-out and they are instructed to clear any expenditure with me.

In which case I would ask for the return of the money.